Podgorica, (MINA) - A stronger systemic response to discrimination and hate speech is necessary in Montenegro across all segments of society, said the Center for Civic Education (CGO), warning that growing social distance indicates the risk of Islamophobia. 

Nikola Djurasevic, program associate at CGO, emphasized on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia the importance of actively protecting interreligious and multiethnic harmony and trust in Montenegro.

“Although the Constitution and laws prohibit discrimination on any basis, everyday practice shows that a stronger and systemic response to discrimination and hate speech is necessary in all segments of society”, Djurasevic said.

According to him, the findings of CGO’s public opinion survey on the views of citizens on multiculturalism in Montenegro indicate concerning trends in perceptions and social distance.

“As many as 49.1 percent of respondents believe that there is discrimination based on religious affiliation in Montenegro, while 59.7 percent recognize discrimination based on nationality”, Djurasevic said.

He said that the fight against Islamophobia is not only a matter of protecting one community, but also a test of the democratic maturity of society as a whole.